We wait months sometimes to see a specialist. Meanwhile, we get more sick and feel more isolated. Finally the day comes when we get to see the person who knows how to help us. And what often happens?

They rush you through your symptoms, give you little feedback, treat you like you are making things up, dismiss what you think is important and end up handing you a prescription as they shuffle you out of the office.

Great. The most I learned during my visit was a nice recipe for braised beef that I read about in a magazine out in the waiting room.

My favourite specialist story just happened. I was referred to a specialist from ANOTHER specialist. I got halfway through my symptoms when he asked "What did the doctor who sent you here think?"

I got out "Well he thought it might be stress or..." and was cut off.

"Yes. It's stress. There is nothing wrong with you."

All he had done was look in my ears and eyes.

Specialists, eh? Whatever.